Ascension : NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC RE: SWINE FLU
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 07.05.2009 (Article Archived on 21.05.2009)

You are probably wondering what contingency plans are in place concerning the "Swine Flu" ?pandemic.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC RE: SWINE FLU

You are probably wondering what contingency plans are in place concerning the "Swine Flu" ?pandemic. As you are aware via the news channels and the radio, the presentation of this "flu" will be like our usual "flu" epidemic that affects the island usually in January/February.  The symptoms (fever, chills, cough...) are all similar to the usual "flu".  It does not mean that if you are coughing you have got the "Swine Virus"!

This specific virus will probably travel to us by plane; that is why the RAF Medical Center is in close contact with Brize Norton.  The American Base is also aware that Florida is an entry point for the virus.

We don't have any blood tests to detect the virus but we have sufficient tablets that might help. If one or more cases are suspected, the persons will need to be observed and most probably be asked to avoid any contact with other persons for a certain period.  The virus is transmitted via minuscule droplets floating in the air, so it is an "air to air" transmission. 

You won't get infected eating pork!

Updates will be given in due time.

Alex Wonner

Senior Medical Officer

Georgetown Hospital

29 April 2009